News

Official Opening Of New Market Harborough School

Written by HFM News on 4th October 2024

Market Harborough’s newest school has been officially opened this afternoon.

The ribbon was cut at Wellington Place Primary School on the Airfield Farm housing estate, where 16 pupils have started in the reception class.

Some of the first pupils at the school mark the ribbon cutting with L-R Cllr Peter Elliot, Chairman of Harborough District Council and his wife, Headteacher Cressida Knox and David Briggs, director of primary at Discovery Schools Trust.

It is the first new school in the town for over 20 years and today also doubled-up as an Open Day for the community.

Headteacher Cressida Knox spoke to HFM:

A plaque marks the opening of the new school

The school on Airfield Road is part of the Discovery School Trust and is ‘eco-friendly’ with technology including air source heat pumps and solar panels used to provide power.

It includes teaching spaces for pupils with special educational needs, and a a multi-use play area.

Eight members of staff are initially working at the school, which will eventually accommodate 210 pupils with space for further expansion.

Five-year-old pupil Reeva said: “I love my new school. I love my teacher Miss Harland and did you know we are the first class here? So we will always be the oldest!”

David Briggs is director of primary at Discovery Schools Trust and spoke to HFM:

Inside the new school

The school was built by Leicestershire County Council at a cost of over £9m, using developer and government funding, with Willmott Dixon carrying out the construction.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, county council cabinet member for children and families, said: “It is lovely to see the first-ever pupils helping to make a bit of history.

“It’s a wonderful space and we wish the very best to everyone who will work and learn here over the years.

“Wellington Place Primary is an example of our work to provide new and innovative schools in areas where they are needed. We’re working to meet the rising demand for school places whilst ensuring high quality education settings are available.”